Papers by Christia Guevara
CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research - Zenodo, May 28, 2010
This study investigated the effects of the multimodal-representation approach in teaching college... more This study investigated the effects of the multimodal-representation approach in teaching college biology on students' conceptual understanding, science process skills, and science attitude. An instructional material based on a standard tertiary level General Biology course employing multimodal-representation (descriptive, mathematical, analogical, and experimental of scientific concepts and processes was designed and compared against the traditional approach to teaching. The topic content focused on genetics, which comprised a unit in a three-unit General Biology (Natural Science 2). The instruments developed and used were the Genetics Conceptual Understanding Test, Science Process Skills Rubrics, Science Literacy Test, Science Attitude Scale and Focus Group Discussion Guide. This research employed a quasi-experimental design where data was gathered from two intact classes of college non-science freshman from a local university in the province of Laguna. The researcher handled the experimental and control groups for the duration of one semester with actual intervention of five weeks equivalent to 25 hours.
The effectiveness of the use of Filipino as a language of learning and instruction in Ecology was... more The effectiveness of the use of Filipino as a language of learning and instruction in Ecology was investigated. Two intact classes of Second Year students from a National High School participated in this study. One Class was instructed based on two modules from the book Functional Biology: Modular Approach. In the other class, the translated version of the same reference was used. The entire duration of classes was observed and documented for evaluation purposes. Several criteria were employed to compare the effect of the two languages in student learning. Results indicated that the difference between the mean of pre and post-evaluation test scores in the Filipino class is significantly higher than in English having a p -value of 0.0002 (less than 0.05), showing that the test scores of the students taught in Filipino medium are better than the other class. The scores obtained by the students in the Filipino class both in higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) and lower-order think...
Biodiversity reduction has been established as a one of the pressing global environmental issue o... more Biodiversity reduction has been established as a one of the pressing global environmental issue of the present generation. This is further aggravated by conflicting perspectives among stakeholders of its nature as a natural phenomenon or predominantly anthropogenic. The question whether concept and issues on biodiversity is correctly understood is viewed as an important factor in education, especially in the teacher education program. This study considered biodiversity as a controversial multidimensional issue. In particular, this explored on the education students' conception and perception regarding the issue in relation to science education. Data gathered in this study indicated that teacher education students in general have insignificant valuing perspective toward biodiversity. Employing the participatory appraisal method (Tock, 2001), teacher education students with science majors demonstrated best indicators of conceptual understanding on biodiversity. It was also shown t...
This study examined the effects of combining innovative approaches in teaching general biology on... more This study examined the effects of combining innovative approaches in teaching general biology on the development of students' science process skills. Two intact classes of college non-science freshmen from a government-managed higher learning institution in the Philippines were compared. An instructional package based on standard tertiary level General Biology course employing multiple representations to be delivered through collaborative teaching and learning approach was designed and compared against the traditional approach to teaching. Quantitative data were obtained from the students scores in Prior Science Knowledge test and Science Process Skills rubric. Qualitative data were obtained from the analysis of students' focus group discussion. The t-test was done to determine the difference in the observed mean scores at α = 0.05 level of significance. Results showed significantly higher scores in the science process skills of students exposed to the multiple representations and collaborative learning approach. Prior science knowledge was found to have no significant correlation with science process skills. Students' science process skills were also found to differ across gender.
Many primary and secondary schools, particularly the public ones, lack biology teaching laborator... more Many primary and secondary schools, particularly the public ones, lack biology teaching laboratories equipped with learning materials that may be used to reinforce ideas discussed in biology. This workshop will show how teachers can prepare simple biology materials or specimens that may be used by the students to further understand lessons in plant biology.
The effectiveness of the use of Filipino as a language of learning and instruction in Ecology was... more The effectiveness of the use of Filipino as a language of learning and instruction in Ecology was investigated. Two intact classes of Second Year students from a National High School participated in this study. One Class was instructed based on two modules from the book Functional Biology: Modular Approach. In the other class, the translated version of the same reference was used. The entire duration of classes was observed and documented for evaluation purposes. Several criteria were employed to compare the effect of the two languages in student learning. Results indicated that the difference between the mean of pre and post-evaluation test scores in the Filipino class is significantly higher than in English having a p -value of 0.0002 (less than 0.05), showing that the test scores of the students taught in Filipino medium are better than the other class. The scores obtained by the students in the Filipino class both in higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) and lower-order think...
Plants are constantly exposed to many factors that affect their growth and development. One fact... more Plants are constantly exposed to many factors that affect their growth and development. One factor is herbivory. Plants are continuously eaten by herbivores that use them for sustenance. How do plants cope with herbivory? Two general types of coping mechanisms have evolved in plants. One is tolerance where they form compensatory features that allow them to continue to grow. Other plants, however, manage by evolving traits that will reduce being eaten by herbivores and this is known as resistance. This seminar paper expounds on these coping mechanisms.
The utilization of internet-supported learning in enhancing science skills and scientific attitud... more The utilization of internet-supported learning in enhancing science skills and scientific attitude has recently been considered as effective pedagogical approach in science teaching. The possession of these skills and attitudes are necessary for effective involvement in scientific processes, and the acquisition of functional scientific literacy. Scientific skills and attitudes development among students as an underlying aim of science teaching is hoped to produce individuals who process dispositions that are critical in decision making, can productively participate in nation building and demonstrate resilience in the face of various challenges of this generation. This study explored the students’ acquisition of science skills and attitudes from the life science courses in relation to various mode of learning approaches with the support of internet and web-based social media in the conduct of their classes and course-related activities. Students enrolled in General Biology, Botany an...
Asia Life Sciences, 2011
In terms of student perception and preference on various modalities, descriptive representation r... more In terms of student perception and preference on various modalities, descriptive representation remained to be the most preferred mode while mathematical representation was the least preferred. The role of repeating representations was acknowledged as contributory factor ...
IAMURE International Journal of Ecology and Conservation, 2015
Science literacy, awareness and attitude enhancement as outcomes of integrating sustainable devel... more Science literacy, awareness and attitude enhancement as outcomes of integrating sustainable development concepts and principles in coursework of general ecology was investigated. This study further explored on causal relationships of demographic and other factors to learning and relate them to the students’ capacity for conceptual integration and sustainable practices as a way of life. The utilization of formal science courses as venue for knowledge building and sharing, awareness and understanding of relevant societal issues, and the promotion of sustainable development were accomplished in this study. A module on Ecology integrated with sustainability was developed. Test of Science Literacy (TSL) and Sustainability Awareness and Attitude Inventory (SSAI) were developed to evaluate learning, awareness and attitude. Results were reported as means, standard deviations, and frequencies. Test scores were analyzed by paired samples t - test. Qualitative data were organized into themes a...
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Papers by Christia Guevara